CIOs affected by visa regime tweaks

Chief information officers on temporary visas are among those set to benefit from tweaks to Australia’s skilled migration regime. Under changes announced by the government on Friday, CIOs will now be eligible for four-year visas.

The government has shifted IT chiefs into Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) from Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Individuals on the strategic skills list can obtain four-year visas, while those on the second can only apply for two-year visas.

The government has said it will update the lists on a six-monthly basis.

“The government recognises the importance of enabling Australian businesses to tap into global talent to remain internationally competitive and support a strong national science and innovation agenda,” immigration minister Peter Dutton said.

“The occupation lists are designed to be dynamic. Revisions to the occupation lists are just one element of the government's reforms strengthening the integrity of Australia’s employer sponsored skilled migration programs and raising the productivity of skilled migrants.”

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